A large fire which started in Department of Conservation (DOC) land in Southland yesterday was extinguished today, but left hundreds of hectares of vegetation destroyed.
A contractor is believed to have accidentally started the fire at Tiwai Peninsular, near Bluff, about 4.30pm.
Helicopters battled the blaze overnight, and by this afternoon four fire crews were still at the scene damping down hot spots and keeping an eye on the perimeter.
An area of over 900 hectares was estimated to have been burned in the Awarua Bay area, with red tussock, flax and manuka destroyed, along with several species of invertebrates.
Rural Fire Officer Sue Peterson said DOC staff were "gutted" at the destruction, as weeds were likely to dominate the regrowth.
She said there was only a slight breeze today, which had made firefighting efforts easier, and rain was forecast for tomorrow.
Investigations were continuing as to exactly how the blaze started, but Ms Peterson said it was an accident as opposed to a deliberate act.
